Flash Flood in Ohio, March 1 to 2, 1997

Widespread two-day rainfall totals for March 1 and 2 generally ranged from 2.4 to 3.4 inches across much of Monroe County. The heavy rainfall led to widespread flooding across the county. Sunfish Creek in the eastern part of the county was among the first creek to be reported out of its banks during the evening of March 1st. State Route 78 was also under water where the creek crosses the road. Numerous other streams and roads became flooded overnight. A total of 15 township roads were closed. Parts of roads, hillsides, and culverts were washed away, primarily in the southern and southwestern parts of the county. Debris also covered many roads. Roads were flooded near Lewisville State Route 78, Brownsville and Rinard Mills State Route 26. A six inch water line broke apart after part of a hill slide away near Round Bottom.All townships in the county were affected to some degree with flooding. Twenty to thirty homes were affected by basement and/or minor first floor flooding in the county. Some small township and private bridges were either damaged or destroyed.